Situated only 2hr. away from Bangkok, Si Racha is a great daytrip for those wanting to get to the coast and dip their toes into water that’s a little saltier (and marginally cleaner) than the Chao Phraya River. This fishing village-turned-bustling town draws tourists with a few fabulous wats, a not-to-be missed market, and some of Thailand’s finest and most traditional seafood dishes. The town is also home to one of Thailand’s best zoos. If neither fish nor fowl strike your fancy, make sure to arrive early enough to catch the ferry to Ko Si Chang.
Buses to Bangkok (every 20-40min. 5am-6pm, 60-80฿) and Rayong (every 20min. 5am-10pm, 50-70฿) depart across from the mall on Sukhumvit Rd. Infrequent buses to other eastern destinations stop across from the main entrance. To reach the main strip of hotels and restaurants, and the ferry to Ko Si Chang, take either a tuk-tuk or motorcycle taxi (40฿) from the mall or walk for 10-15min. toward the water (you will eventually hit Jermjompal Rd. and should be no more than a block north of Si Racha Nakhon Rd. 3).
Si Racha is laid out in the shape of a square, with the coast and main street, Jermjompal Road, running along the western side and the highway to Bangkok, called Sukhumvit Road, tracing the eastern side. Intersecting these main roads are Si Racha Nakhon Road 1, which forms the northern border, and Surasak 3 Road, which constitutes the southern border. Beware of the multiple street names that are identical except for their numbers, such as Si Racha Nakhon 1, 2, and 3. The causeway leading to Wat Ko Loy and the ferry to Ko Si Chang are in the northwest corner, while the stellar fish and vegetable market is in the south-west corner. Services in Si Racha include:
There are a smattering of pricey hotels, geared towards the Japanese and Thai tourists that come to Si Racha, around the mall and bus stop, but some cheaper options line the open sea on Jermjompol Rd.
Si Racha is famous for its seafood, which is often prepared with the famous Si Racha sauce, a spicy red dressing known as “nam prik si racha.” The prime location for gorging on local cuisine is Si Racha Nakhon Road 3, just one block from Jermjompal Rd. leading away from the water. The road branches in two and the triangle remaining in the middle overflows with food stalls, small restaurants, and larger open-air eateries, allowing diners to stroll through and take their pick. The stalls are mostly open from late afternoon (3 or 4pm) until 10 or 11pm. The larger eateries have English menus. For fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, or just about any other odd-looking edible in existence, head to the complex of markets on the southern end of Jermjompol Rd. where it intersects with Surasak 3 Rd. by the clocktower.
Si Racha’s main attraction is the Si Racha Tiger Zoo, a rather gimmicky affair 9km east of town. ( Tuk-tuk from anywhere in the city 25min., 120-150฿.) The zoo claims to host Thailand’s largest number of Bengali Tigers, which until recently numbered more than 400. Sadly, over 100 tigers were either put down or died after the bird flu rampaged through the area. But the show goes on; the zoo’s Thai-only, kitschy shows range from female performers wrestling live crocodiles to the “Scorpion Queen” covering herself with scorpions. There are several opportunities to get a close look at the many animals, including taking a picture (150฿) with an adorable baby tiger. (☎38 296 556. Open daily 8am-6pm. Several shows per hr. 300฿, children 150฿.)
The town’s most touristed temple is Wat Ko Loi (Floating Island Temple), next to the ferry port, at the end of the causeway at the top stretch of Jermjopal Rd. Make an offering to the gods or simply wander around the base of the wat, where food stalls and trinket shops buzz with the picnicking Thais who relax here on weekends. A shady, well-landscaped health park stretches along the waterfront on Jermjompol Rd.
Those with less time can head Wat Mahasiracha in town. On Surasak Sa Nguan Rd., just before the market, the wat is on the left-hand side of the street. It consists of temples surrounded by monks’ quarters.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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